Hi Nite,
I heard it said recently that this is only charger that uses the correct charging algorithm.
While it's true the IBC does use the recommended CC/CV charging algorithm, it is not the only one out there. It just happens to be widely regarded as the best combination of quality and value in a li-ion charger because your next option is a hobby charger like the RC guys use. Those tend to be expensive.
However MDOCODs guide says pull lion off the charger at 4.10
Pulling cells at 4.1 volts will give you greater cycle life at the expense of the cells not being quite fully charged. This is actually a pretty good idea if you're going to follow the recommendation to keep your cells topped off frequently. Under that scenario, there's not as much chance that you'll even need the extra little bit of capacity anyway, because the cells will always be *almost* full due to frequent topping.
Keeping watch on the voltages may turn out to be more work than it's worth though. Life seems to short to try to squeeze an extra hundred cycles out of a battery, because it requires so much manual effort.
does pulling them alot to check them change the charging pattern?
I'm not entirely sure, but I think you can actually just put multimeter probes on the terminals during the charge to check voltages.
what does this charger charge up to in volts? 4.2?
You got it, 4.2v is correct.
why is it better than the WF 139 I use?
its pricey...but i heard its much better.
The IBC charges a bit faster than the Ultrafire, and will properly terminate the charge at 4.2v. No higher.
The most widely reported problem with the Ultrafire is that some versions (and there is somewhat of a concensus that it's primarily the older ones) overcharge cells. Lithium-ions will continue to absorb charge and rise in voltage to the point of thermal runaway, which is what makes overcharging a big no-no with this chemistry.
It's a good idea to keep an eye on li-ions when they're charging anyway, but especially so with the WF-139. These cells are pretty highly reactive and when they start to vent it's an unpleasantly spectacular show of flame and noxious gasses.
So if you can spare the extra money, spring for the IBC. :thumbsup:
